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Orthostatic Hypotension

National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

ImportantIt is possible that the main title of the report Orthostatic Hypotension is not the name you expected.

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common condition characterized as a drop in blood pressure that occurs when a person stands up. OH can cause lightheadedness, dizziness or even causing a person to faint. Symptoms can also be subtle or absent. By definition, the drop in blood pressure must be greater than 20mm Hg of mercury in systolic BP and/or more than 10 mm of mercury in diastolic BP within 3 minutes upon standing from sitting or from a lying down face-up (supine) position. There are numerous, varied causes of OH. Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH) is a rare subtype caused by underlying neurologic disorders that affect a specific part of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that regulates certain involuntary body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, and bowel and bladder control. The treatment of OH depends upon several factors including the specific underlying cause.

Supporting Organizations

Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

PO Box 8126

Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126

Tel: (301)251-4925

Fax: (301)251-4911

Tel: (888)205-2311

Website: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/

NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

P.O. Box 5801

Bethesda, MD 20824

Tel: (301)496-5751

Fax: (301)402-2186

Tel: (800)352-9424

Website: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

National Dysautonomia Research Foundation

PO Box 301

Red Wing, MN 55066-0102

Tel: (651)327-0367

Email: ndrf@ndrf.org

Website: http://www.ndrf.org

Vanderbilt's Autonomic Dysfunction Center

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

1211 Medical Center Drive

Nashville, TN 37232-2195

USA

Tel: (615)322-5000

Fax: (615)343-8649

Email: david.robertson@vanderbilt.edu

Website: http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/gcrc/adc

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). For a full-text version of this report, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

Last Updated: 7/13/2015Copyright 2014 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

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